Overnight coach to see Aberdeen v Dundee United, whoever lost went into the relegation play-offs. Po faced man at ticket office said all tickets sold, they were not. I ended up at Forfar v Arbroath. I hate Aberdeen.
Do you play golf....?? Royal Aberdeen, Peterhead & Cruden Bay are all pretty good.
I've played a couple of times, but it's not really my thing. Good idea though. I'm more of a nature man, so the coast, the Cairngorms and a drive to Loch Ness look more more cup of tea.
For nature try and fit in the Rothiemurchus forest near Aviemore.
Today's cricket result means I'll be looking for a place in Aberdeen to watch the final. Any suggestions for pubs that'll show it and where the friendly locals will be cheering on their fellow Brits?
Travelled home from Manchester with a work mate who is Scottish — I informed him we were 112/0 replying to the Aussies 234 in cricket World Cup - he looked at me - and honestly said he had no idea what that meant - and that he had never seen a cricket pitch in Scotland !!!!!!
Today's cricket result means I'll be looking for a place in Aberdeen to watch the final. Any suggestions for pubs that'll show it and where the friendly locals will be cheering on their fellow Brits?
The pub, called the Village Pub, in the Village Hotel in Aberdeen should be showing it - phone number 01224 470025
If all else fails, it might be worth booking a room in an hotel that has Sky Sports available. Let us know how you got on anyway.
The good news is that the Final is being broadcast, free to air on C4/More4, so that opens up more chances to see it, even if there is no Sky Sports on offer.
Just back from a holiday in the Highlands - amazing countryside but weather didn't top 18C. Coastline is breathtaking and the walks in the Cairngorms are incredible.
A joy to drive up there as the roads are deserted and by far the most beautiful place in the UK. The weather has been far better on my previous trips.
There's a road trip round the Highlands called the North Coast 500 - stunning scenery and an incredible drive.
Just back from a holiday in the Highlands - amazing countryside but weather didn't top 18C. Coastline is breathtaking and the walks in the Cairngorms are incredible.
A joy to drive up there as the roads are deserted and by far the most beautiful place in the UK. The weather has been far better on my previous trips.
There's a road trip round the Highlands called the North Coast 500 - stunning scenery and an incredible drive.
I’d prefer to visit the west coast, although I’ve never seen either just Glasgow. I’ve have friends on that side.......Last week she had the heating on and was moaning how cold it was!
Just back from a holiday in the Highlands - amazing countryside but weather didn't top 18C. Coastline is breathtaking and the walks in the Cairngorms are incredible.
A joy to drive up there as the roads are deserted and by far the most beautiful place in the UK. The weather has been far better on my previous trips.
There's a road trip round the Highlands called the North Coast 500 - stunning scenery and an incredible drive.
I’d prefer to visit the west coast, although I’ve never seen either just Glasgow. I’ve have friends on that side.......Last week she had the heating on and was moaning how cold it was!
Last time I went to Scotland it was 28C - last week was not good temperature wise. On a positive note the air quality up there is noticeably better than London and the days are longer.
I've visited most of Scotland with the exception of Glasgow and the islands.
Aberdeen has beaten off stiff competition from the likes of Cumbernauld, East Kilbride and Leven to win the award nobody wants, the Plook-on-the-Plinth trophy for Scotland’s most dismal place, handed out as part of Urban Realm's annual Carbuncle Awards.
Aberdeen has beaten off stiff competition from the likes of Cumbernauld, East Kilbride and Leven to win the award nobody wants, the Plook-on-the-Plinth trophy for Scotland’s most dismal place, handed out as part of Urban Realm's annual Carbuncle Awards.
Doesn't look much different from 1982 when I moved up there for 4 years!
Today's cricket result means I'll be looking for a place in Aberdeen to watch the final. Any suggestions for pubs that'll show it and where the friendly locals will be cheering on their fellow Brits?
Typical! I got to the pub ( quiet one on the edge of town) ordered lunch and a beer and asked if I could watch the cricket. "Certainly sir, what channel is it on"? I told them it was ch4, and was very happy when almost immediately a guy stepped out from behind the bar brandishing a remote control and changed channels as requested.
I saw one dot ball, then drinks came out (there, not here), the ads came on and programming switched to Grand Prix warm up. No more cricket 'til gone 4pm.
Today's cricket result means I'll be looking for a place in Aberdeen to watch the final. Any suggestions for pubs that'll show it and where the friendly locals will be cheering on their fellow Brits?
Typical! I got to the pub ( quiet one on the edge of town) ordered lunch and a beer and asked if I could watch the cricket. "Certainly sir, what channel is it on"? I told them it was ch4, and was very happy when almost immediately a guy stepped out from behind the bar brandishing a remote control and changed channels as requested.
I saw one dot ball, then drinks came out (there, not here), the ads came on and programming switched to Grand Prix warm up. No more cricket 'til gone 4pm.
Do they have More 4 up there in the Arctic Circle?
Don’t really understand why you went to a pub to watch it? You were always going to be at the whim of locals who will always get the ‘shout’ over what’s on......especially if you’re the only customer who wants to watch it. Sorry Stig but that’s pretty poor planning on your part mate!
Just looked on Google and there is an Aberdeen Cricket Club which has their own ground and pavilion (clubhouse maybe?)......I would have contacted them and asked if they have a TV and if they’ll be showing it.........if not ask them where their members will be gathering as I bet they’ll be watching it.
Jocks hate cricket as a rule. They used to whinge like Billy do when I lived there when they showed test matches during the day on the BBC, despite they couldn't see it anyway as they were working.
Just looked on Google and there is an Aberdeen Cricket Club which has their own ground and pavilion/clubhouse maybe......I would have contacted them and asked if they have a TV and if they’ll be showing it.........if not ask them where their members will be gathering as I bet they’ll be watching it.
Surely the cricket season is over in Scotland by now?
I worked in Aberdeen many, many times years ago and always enjoyed my visits although my very first trip nearly ended up with me and my work mate locked up.
This was around 1980 and we were carrying out overnight electrostatic paint spraying inside a bank on Union St. We had been out for a few beers and was back in the bank eating a takeaway before cracking on through the night. We had already laughed ourselves stupid by sitting behind the cash machine and pretended it could "talk" to unsuspecting pissed up birds drawing money out, we put on a stupid voice and said all sorts of daft things, the reactions were hilarious!
Right, on to the actual story! We were now in a devious mood but being the professionals that we were, we returned to work but still chuckling at the talking cash point! I picked up my spray gun and became aware of about 5 people on the top deck of a bus looking in at me, as with all banks back in the day, windows were frosted so you couldn't see in or out but the top opening fan lights were clear glass and with it being night time and the banks lights on, we were very visible to the bus passengers.
Electrostatic spraying on site was quite new back then and the equipment had moved on from the original "wand and bell" type spray gun to a more compact model. This new style was still nothing like a conventional spray gun, it resembled a gun, the shape, handle even the trigger resembled a real gun and even more so from distance.
Quick as a flash I took my best gangsta pose, shouted at my mate to get in front of me and pretend he'd been shot, twice! My actions as an assassin were good but my mates role as the victim was acting at its finest and deserved an Oscar. Even better was the look of utter horror on the faces of the punters on the top deck of that bus!
I got on with my spraying still laughing to myself at the stuff we had got up to when my mate came round from another part of the bank and said ffs, its must have gone off out there, there is old bill everywhere, blue and white tape, the streets cordoned off, the lot. This night was getting more interesting by the minute so we jumped up on to a desk to watch the action unfold outside from one of the top windows however, it soon became apparent all the activity outside was for us and not pissed up locals having a mass punch up!
A copper saw us peeking through the window and used his megaphone to tell us in no uncertain terms that every police gun in Aberdeen was trained on us and to come out hands up. We knew straight away what it was about and would plead ignorance but stick to the story that as I was spraying, my mate had simply tripped over a lead which must have given the impression that someone had been shot.
After we made a really nervous exit of the bank, we were thrown to the ground, searched and cuffed while armed police made a sweep of the bank and obviously never found a bullet riddled body or walls splattered with fresh blood. We stuck to our story but those coppers knew what we'd been up to but couldn't prove it.
The police asked how come we were in possession of the keys to a large bank in Aberdeen and said a staff member should be in attendance. That was true but the staff member couldn't be arsed stopping with us all night and had gone home but would return at 6am the next morning to collect the keys, let us out and lock up. He trusted us to behave lol.
And this was the second time in a short space of time that I had a run in with armed police as I was nearly shot in the bank of England in Manchester, a story I told on here a few years back
Soundas, you are absolutely right about poor planning, but things couldn't have worked out better. I ended up in a bar in Old Aberdeen with locals buying me whiskys. The cricket was in More4+1 for some odd reason but once I'd reached the point where I didn't know the score it was fine to watch. I genuinely thought England had lost because my youngest who is an avid cricket fan didn't message me. He said he didn't because he knew I was recording it and thought I'd want to watch it later!!!! Fantastic day!
Soundas, you are absolutely right about poor planning, but things couldn't have worked out better. I ended up in a bar in Old Aberdeen with locals buying me whiskys. The cricket was in More4+1 for some odd reason but once I'd reached the point where I didn't know the score it was fine to watch. I genuinely thought England had lost because my youngest who is an avid cricket fan didn't message me. He said he didn't because he knew I was recording it and thought I'd want to watch it later!!!! Fantastic day!
Back home now and had a great time. Got very lucky with the weather so can claim to be one of the only people ever to have returned from Scotland with a suntan. Most useless item of clothing I took? My cagoule, which I didn't use once. Not that it never rained, but somehow it always seemed easier to duck into a bar to avoid a light shower.
Thanks to everyone who contributed suggestions. Duthie Gardens (thanks Cardinal Sin) were wonderful. The winter gardens there were quite amazing - I would venture to say as good as, if not better, than the far more famous Eden Project and completely free. The walk up to Dunnator castle (Redrobbo and others) was beautiful as was Stonehaven itself. If anyone plans to visit Stonehaven, I'd strongly recommend going by train which has the best views running right next to the coast. Old Aberdeen was great. The beach was lovely, but it was a shame that town planners had seen fit to build a bunch of soviet-style tower blocks right behind it. There were some other strange architectural choices as well - brutalist horrors planted adjacent to neo-gothic masterpieces. Quite odd, but certainly not the carbuncle that was claimed on here. Also a bit strange were the choices of some street names - but I liked them:
Robinofottershaw suggested a drive up to Braemar (as did several locals we met) - we weren't disappointed! A suggestion that I don't think any one made was the Falls of Feugh at nearby Banchory. It wasn't even the spawning season, but we still got to see the salmon leaping up the rocks, that was quite amazing.
A suggestion that was made that we didn't quite fancy was this one:
As for the pubs and bars around Union Street (Cardinal again), I took it as a personal challenge to see as many as possible. Chippy was absolutely right about the people, they were fantastic. I didn't take to the beers though. The locals all seem to drink little but Tennant's lager and there's not a lot by the way of decent ale. Brewdog is local and their Punk IPA is ok if you like the sort of drink that ought to be served up with half a cherry on the top. Caledonia Best (Tennant's) was a pleasant surprise for a cheap and cheerful bitter, but there was little else of note. As for pubs, if anyone's going I'd recommend: Scottish Embassy (friendliest barman), St Machar Bar, Old Aberdeen (friendliest locals), Old Blackfriar (nice atmosphere), Drummonds (free live music). I wouldn't recommend Krakatoa, unless watching a load of crack-heads let their dogs shag each other on the dance floor is your idea of entertainment.
Comments
good luck finding a pub showing it 😄
Or you could go to St Andrews GC 01334 473 426
Let us know how you got on anyway.
A joy to drive up there as the roads are deserted and by far the most beautiful place in the UK. The weather has been far better on my previous trips.
There's a road trip round the Highlands called the North Coast 500 - stunning scenery and an incredible drive.
On a positive note the air quality up there is noticeably better than London and the days are longer.
I've visited most of Scotland with the exception of Glasgow and the islands.
The Carbuncle Awards 2015
You were always going to be at the whim of locals who will always get the ‘shout’ over what’s on......especially if you’re the only customer who wants to watch it.
Sorry Stig but that’s pretty poor planning on your part mate!
This was around 1980 and we were carrying out overnight electrostatic paint spraying inside a bank on Union St. We had been out for a few beers and was back in the bank eating a takeaway before cracking on through the night. We had already laughed ourselves stupid by sitting behind the cash machine and pretended it could "talk" to unsuspecting pissed up birds drawing money out, we put on a stupid voice and said all sorts of daft things, the reactions were hilarious!
Right, on to the actual story! We were now in a devious mood but being the professionals that we were, we returned to work but still chuckling at the talking cash point! I picked up my spray gun and became aware of about 5 people on the top deck of a bus looking in at me, as with all banks back in the day, windows were frosted so you couldn't see in or out but the top opening fan lights were clear glass and with it being night time and the banks lights on, we were very visible to the bus passengers.
Electrostatic spraying on site was quite new back then and the equipment had moved on from the original "wand and bell" type spray gun to a more compact model. This new style was still nothing like a conventional spray gun, it resembled a gun, the shape, handle even the trigger resembled a real gun and even more so from distance.
Quick as a flash I took my best gangsta pose, shouted at my mate to get in front of me and pretend he'd been shot, twice! My actions as an assassin were good but my mates role as the victim was acting at its finest and deserved an Oscar. Even better was the look of utter horror on the faces of the punters on the top deck of that bus!
I got on with my spraying still laughing to myself at the stuff we had got up to when my mate came round from another part of the bank and said ffs, its must have gone off out there, there is old bill everywhere, blue and white tape, the streets cordoned off, the lot. This night was getting more interesting by the minute so we jumped up on to a desk to watch the action unfold outside from one of the top windows however, it soon became apparent all the activity outside was for us and not pissed up locals having a mass punch up!
A copper saw us peeking through the window and used his megaphone to tell us in no uncertain terms that every police gun in Aberdeen was trained on us and to come out hands up. We knew straight away what it was about and would plead ignorance but stick to the story that as I was spraying, my mate had simply tripped over a lead which must have given the impression that someone had been shot.
After we made a really nervous exit of the bank, we were thrown to the ground, searched and cuffed while armed police made a sweep of the bank and obviously never found a bullet riddled body or walls splattered with fresh blood. We stuck to our story but those coppers knew what we'd been up to but couldn't prove it.
The police asked how come we were in possession of the keys to a large bank in Aberdeen and said a staff member should be in attendance. That was true but the staff member couldn't be arsed stopping with us all night and had gone home but would return at 6am the next morning to collect the keys, let us out and lock up. He trusted us to behave lol.
And this was the second time in a short space of time that I had a run in with armed police as I was nearly shot in the bank of England in Manchester, a story I told on here a few years back
Thanks to everyone who contributed suggestions. Duthie Gardens (thanks Cardinal Sin) were wonderful. The winter gardens there were quite amazing - I would venture to say as good as, if not better, than the far more famous Eden Project and completely free. The walk up to Dunnator castle (Redrobbo and others) was beautiful as was Stonehaven itself. If anyone plans to visit Stonehaven, I'd strongly recommend going by train which has the best views running right next to the coast. Old Aberdeen was great. The beach was lovely, but it was a shame that town planners had seen fit to build a bunch of soviet-style tower blocks right behind it. There were some other strange architectural choices as well - brutalist horrors planted adjacent to neo-gothic masterpieces. Quite odd, but certainly not the carbuncle that was claimed on here. Also a bit strange were the choices of some street names - but I liked them:
Robinofottershaw suggested a drive up to Braemar (as did several locals we met) - we weren't disappointed! A suggestion that I don't think any one made was the Falls of Feugh at nearby Banchory. It wasn't even the spawning season, but we still got to see the salmon leaping up the rocks, that was quite amazing.
A suggestion that was made that we didn't quite fancy was this one:
As for the pubs and bars around Union Street (Cardinal again), I took it as a personal challenge to see as many as possible. Chippy was absolutely right about the people, they were fantastic. I didn't take to the beers though. The locals all seem to drink little but Tennant's lager and there's not a lot by the way of decent ale. Brewdog is local and their Punk IPA is ok if you like the sort of drink that ought to be served up with half a cherry on the top. Caledonia Best (Tennant's) was a pleasant surprise for a cheap and cheerful bitter, but there was little else of note. As for pubs, if anyone's going I'd recommend: Scottish Embassy (friendliest barman), St Machar Bar, Old Aberdeen (friendliest locals), Old Blackfriar (nice atmosphere), Drummonds (free live music). I wouldn't recommend Krakatoa, unless watching a load of crack-heads let their dogs shag each other on the dance floor is your idea of entertainment.
Cheers for the tips, all!